Alleyne leaves Gloucs

Mark Alleyne © Getty Images

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Head coach Mark Alleyne is leaving Gloucestershire, ending a 22-year association with the county.

Alleyne’s contract was due to end in September - but the 38-year-old former captain will leave the county this month.

Gloucestershire chairman John Light said: “We have come to this agreement after much deliberation.

“We feel it is now time for change and time to move towards a new director of cricket - and I would like publicly to thank Mark for his massive contribution.”

Alleyne joined Gloucestershire in 1986 and was the most successful captain in the county’s history - Gloucestershire won eight one-day trophies under his leadership between 1997 and 2005.

Alleyne, who became player-coach in 2004 and head coach the following year when he retired from competitive action, said: “I reminisce with absolute pride about the last 22 years of my life, all spent serving Gloucestershire in the best way I knew how and now it comes to an end.

"Every single ball will stay with me forever and I would like to thank Gloucestershire for allowing me that wonderful opportunity.

"The time was made special by the tremendous support I received from the members and supporters alike.

"For that I thank you all very much but nothing will compare with the friendships and comradeship that developed with the players and coaches over the years. Those special moments made it all so worthwhile

"Now I look forward to embarking on something new. For Gloucestershire, I wish them the best of luck in their new direction.”